Call me crazy, but I love my fitness gear almost as much as the feel-good endorphins from a solid workout.
Yes, there's the running shoes (and they have played a valuable part), but there's also a few extras that have upped my #SweatEquity experience. While none of these I'd call essential, all of them have merit.
And they all were key players in my '21 fitness game.
Have a look...
I have narrow, bony feet. Many shoes feel loose on me, especially in the toe box. I've always worn wool socks to help "fill" that extra space. Not only do I appreciate the extra cushioning, but the moisture-wicking is a nice bonus. Recently, I discovered hiking socks. Also made from wool, they have been a welcome addition to my sock stash.
With all the biking I've done in recent years, I was on the look-out for a better footwear option than traditional cycling clip-ins. I'd been using retired running shoes, and they had worked well, but I wanted some kind of a sandal. The solution, Chacos! Traditionally, these rugged sandals are meant for hiking, but they have become my cycling-go-to shoe. The soles grip the pedals really well, my feet stay cool, and they have great arch support for walking. Score!
It's probably no surprise I love sunglasses. Eye protection, from the cold or hot weather, should be paramount year-round. Let's not forget all those damaging UV rays, as well as the brightness of the great outdoors. I also have a small obsession with bright colors. My favorite brand of shades is Knockaround. The price is right and the colors are amazing. 'Nuff said.
I spend a lot of time outdoors, in the dark of the early morning and/or evening. It's not only crucial to be seen, but also to see where you're going. Also, I'm not one to walk my dog without being conscientious of picking up after him. Having an easily accessible source of light is key...so the Knuckle Lights are crucial! I've even used them on bike rides, as an extra beam of light to scope-out my path.
Finally, there's the Noxgear vest. This little baby sees a lot of action. I wear it on most of my early-morning runs. Often times, I'll take it along for bike rides as well.
So, that's just a few favorites; my Top 6, if you will.
How about you? Could you narrow down your slew of favorites to just six?
***Have no fear, all the links shared are just simple hyperlinks to the products' websites. This is not a sponsored post, nor do I receive any commission for the mention of these items***
I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up
I'm also linking with Debbie, Deborah, Lisa, Laura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup
I love all my tights and shorts with side pockets! I always find something to put in there. I usually start with my phone in my sports bra or koala clip but if i take it out towards the end of my run its so much easier to just slide it into my shorts for the rest of my run.
ReplyDeleteThe side pockets are really convenient! I kind of prefer the pockets on the biking shorts over an actual biking jersey!
DeleteI should try those sturdy sandals for biking. Until now I have never tried it as I feel my feet need to be protected on the bike, especially when doing a difficult trail on the mountain bike (which I'm not very good at).
ReplyDeleteBut maybe it's just a question of trying it out! Thanks for the idea, Kim!
Well, full disclosure...I don't do any traditional mountain biking (like, on technical trails or mixed terrain). All of my "mountain biking" happens on city streets or biking trails (but with my mountain bike, LOL). If I were on an actual intended mountain bike trail or course, I'd probably opt for a shoe with more coverage (more for safety and protection than "pedal grip"). But, for the cycling I do, the sandals are perfect (and I have the tan lines to prove it...still).
DeleteAh yes, that makes sense. Some of my rides are pretty tame so that should be doable with sturdy sandals. Yay for tan lines!!
DeleteI need the side pockets to put in the keys (car or house).
ReplyDeleteWhen biking was my second sport I didn't used the clip. I was afraid to fall.
Have a great (running) day!
I still have not given in to the pressure to acquire actual clip-in shoes. I'm too terrified of falling, as well, and I'm horribly uncoordinated. My reaction time probably wouldn't allow for a sufficient "unclipping" if the situation arose.
DeleteThe tights with pockets!!!! My best find in 2021 too. I used them when in Ghana and it was so easy to whip out my phone for photos instead of using the waist pack. Love them. Now it's a good excuse to replace all my leggings/shorts with them!
ReplyDeleteI actually found another pair of shorts, with a super funky color pattern, over the weekend...for a too-good-to-pass price ;-)
DeleteI am obsessed with a few of my fleece tights this season. Hiking socks sounds interesting I will check those out
ReplyDeleteI found these socks in my local shoe store. To me, they look like the running socks I usually buy, but are maybe a little thicker (?). The also have great compression around the arch. LOVE them!!!
DeleteBelieve it or not, you're better off with narrow feet. I need a really wide toebox and it's hard to find! So many otherwise great shoes pinch my toes (sigh.) Those socks are a great solution for you.
ReplyDeleteSide pockets for the win! Why did no one think of this before? Running gear has definitely come a LONG way.
These particular pockets are great because the biking shorts/capris aaaaahave a good deal of compresson. The pockets in "traditional" running shorts usually aren't tight enough so things bounce around a lot (at least on me, LOL).
DeleteI can vouch for the knuckle lights! I don't run in the dark b/c we don't have a lot of street lights and it's just too dark to feel comfortable, but I use them all the time for walking our dog. I also took them with me to an early morning race last fall and they came in handy in the portapotty.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention how easy the Knuckle Lights are to hold, because you really don't have to "hold" them. I bet they would be perfect in a scary, dark portapotty!
DeleteI've always said if you look good, you do good! Well, sort of anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I tried my first skirt with pockets underneath I was sold. My running outfits are all about the pockets, but in Winter they aren't quite as colorful as they are the rest of the year because mostly no one sees them under the jacket!
Typically, I'm not a fan of pockets for carrying stuff (while running) becasue I don't like things bouncing. These sidepockets, though, have been a game changer becasue of the compression that holds everything in place ;-)
DeleteSide pockets on workout pants are awesome! So many times I've been able to avoid wearing a running belt since I had side pockets :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, as you may guess, most of mine are from Old Navy ;-)
DeleteI love seeing everyone's favorites. Pockets are always a great idea! So glad you are getting so much use out of them!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe I forgot to mention my Noxgear vest. I love mine too. I don't know how people and drivers not see me since it is so bright. I also love the pockets in my shorts. Perfect to store my water bottles.
ReplyDeleteI have bony feet too and I love hiking socks for a bit of extra comfort on runs!
ReplyDelete